President Akufo-Addo (with a shovel), cutting the sod for the construction of the Adentan-Dodowa road. Pix by Gifty Lawson
President Akufo-Addo yesterday broke ground for work to commence on the dualisation of the Adentan-Dodowa Road.
This forms part of his government’s plans to upgrade the nation’s road infrastructure, promising to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
The Adentan-Dodowa Road, originally reconstructed in 1998 by Kasap Civil Engineering Co. Ltd., has been a crucial inter-regional link between the capital, Accra, and the Eastern and Volta regions.
The dualisation of the road is part of a broader strategy to improve major trunk roads across Ghana, which includes projects such as the Accra-Kumasi Highway, Accra-Cape Coast Road, Tema-Aflao Road, and Tema-Akosombo Road.
At a ceremony in Adentan, President Akufo-Addo stressed the government’s determination to reduce travel times, lowering vehicle operating costs, and significantly improving road safety.
These enhancements, he said, are vital for fostering connectivity and supporting the nation’s economic development.
Since taking over the reins of government from 2017 till date, he indicated that approximately 12,830 kilometres of roads have been completed nationwide.
This includes 2,055 kilometres of roads and the construction of four interchanges in the Greater Accra Region. Additionally, three bridges have been constructed in various communities in Tema and Taifa, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Among the notable completed projects are the four-tier Pokuase Interchange, the first of its kind in Ghana and West Africa, and the second in Africa, which included the construction of 12 kilometres of local roads.
Others include the Tema Motorway Interchange Phase 1, Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 1, and the dualisation of various roads totaling over 50 kilometres.
Some ongoing projects in the Greater Accra Region are also making substantial progress, including the dualisation of the Achimota-Ofankor Road, which is being expanded into a ten-lane facility with four interchanges and 62% completed.
The rest include the Dome-Kitase Road, the Tema-Akosombo Road, and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 2 project, which are all advancing steadily.
The President also mentioned the Flowerpot Interchange project across the Tema Motorway which is 90% completed, and the dualisation of the School Junction-Motorway Road which is nearing completion at 98%.
He also identified some road projects which had previously been suspended due to the debt restructuring exercise but work has recently resumed.
These include the construction of the Tema-Aflao Road, the Coastal Road Phase 1 and 2, and several other key infrastructure projects. The government’s unwavering commitment to completing these projects is evident, aiming to enhance connectivity and address perennial issues such as flooding in specific areas.
The dualisation of the Adentan-Dodowa Road is being undertaken by M/S Oswal Investments Ltd., an indigenous Ghanaian company.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways, along with the Ghana Highway Authority, will oversee the project. President Akufo-Addo urged the contractor to implement effective traffic management measures to minimise inconveniences during the construction period.
President Akufo-Addo said each road built, interchange completed, and bridge constructed, is a testament to the government’s dedication to fostering connectivity, enhancing economic growth, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians.
He called on the nation to reflect on this shared commitment to progress and to embrace the promise of a brighter future.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent